Here we are at the beginning of April already and for the first time since I started this challenge 4 years ago, I’m actually late with a Changing Seasons post.
It’s been a busy March.
Usually by the end of a typical March I’m feeling a sense of relief that this long dreary month is finally over, but this year it seems to have flown past.

After being cooped up for so many weeks this winter due to snow and ice, it was glorious to be outdoors again. Most of the trails were still quite treacherous but where I could walk, I did.

This winter we had SO. MUCH. SNOW and this month it’s been nothing less than a miracle at how quickly all that cold white stuff has melted away.

Spending time outdoors has certainly been a big theme of this month, but so has time with friends.
I was back visiting my friend, Cathy, at her stables. Last year I introduced you to her newest little mini-horse, Pippin. She is now just shy of her first birthday, as tall as her mother, and a delightful little pony.
In my opinion, this is the overriding theme of every spring – birth, rebirth, and the exuberance of youth. Even those of us who are a little long in the tooth feel the arrival of spring with an increase in energy.

It was pure fun watching Pippin chasing the dogs as she barrelled up and down the icy trail without any sense of fear of falling. We, on the other hand, braced ourselves for the occasion hip-check that occurred as she pranced by with wild abandon.

This month I was also back at Aerial Yoga with Lynn from Life After 50. I can easily see making this a regular part of what I call a routine. Stretching will never be something I love to do, but it feels so good.


The month ended with torrential rains that eventually turned to snow, but it did not hamper my end-of-the-month plans with Deb from The Widow Badass. She has written about our weekend adventures here.
Let’s just say there will be more posts ahead about this weekend together!

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Changing Seasons is a monthly photo challenge hosted this year by Su Leslie at Zimmerbitch.
Awesome pictures! And that pony ♥️
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Thanks 🙂
I had a chance to visit the pony yesterday and he’s as charming as ever 🙂
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Am hopeful that you April is full of spring flowers …but from my perspective sweating in the tropics, I am ogling your ice-covered rock flows.
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Hi Joanne,
The winter seems to be loosing grip on your part of the world. Love your resolve to get out and about and walk where you can. We will be heading back to the north in a couple week and I am looking forward to a change of scenery, as much as I have loved our tropical home.
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A change is good for the soul and watching the world come alive again after a long winter is always exciting – at least to me 🙂
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[…] was chit chatting with blogger Joanne Sisco (here) and I shared a link with her for the “Free Hugs” video (it connected because I shared […]
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You are right, Joanne. Some winters are longer, colder and with more snow than previous years. On our island, people still refer back to the “Blizzard of ‘96.” The photo with rocks covered in ice is stunning. This area likely looked completely different every few hours.
You are an inspiration, Joanne, doing aerial yoga. This yoga always looks very challenging and like a form of ballet.
I was wondering when I would hear your side of the story on the Weekend with Deb. There are always two sides.😉
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Deb and I really do have a lot of fun when we get together. We seem to share the same sense of adventure which as you know is priceless!
You would be surprised that aerial yoga is actually not difficult. Obviously we are in a beginner’s class which makes a difference, but the hanging silk actually allows you to get a better stretch – especially if you have balance issues – because it supports you.
In Toronto, THE winter that no one can ever forget is of course when the mayor called in the army. I remember it like it was yesterday … and it made us the laughingstock for the rest of the country 😆
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Beautiful photos of winter leaving and spring returning (love Pippin!), though too slowly (in my mind). The daffodils here in New England are trying so hard to pop through the still-cold soil. But at least the snow is gone. Where’s the photo of the aerial yoga? I love yoga and go to classes at least once weekly, but I’m a bit intimidated by the idea of AERIAL stretching. ;-0
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I know what you mean about spring being too slow in her arrival. Temperatures are still erratic here. I just read an article this morning that said the cherry blossoms are expected to be at least 2 weeks late this year 😕
Sorry – no aerial yoga photos this time although yesterday Lynn and I were talking that our next time together – probably late May – we will try for a shot together hanging 🙂
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A whole new meaning when you two suggest “hanging” together. 😉
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hehehe!
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I’m sure the only reason that pony is still at the farm is that your trunk was too small to smuggle her out in. What a cutie. March was good here… and April is looking even better!
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Not to mention the fact that I’m pretty sure Cathy would have noticed Pippin was missing 😆
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HI Joanne
Beautiful pictures. Glad to hear your jumping into spring. It’s such a wonderful time of year. Enjoy the warmer, longer days, sunshine, and wildflowers
Laura
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I surely will. So far only the longer days and sunshine have arrived. We’re still waiting for the warmth and wildflowers 🙂
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It’ll be a brown muddy mess here in a few weeks but for now we’ve still got a good 18″ of snow on the lawn. At least we can see up the street when pulling out of the driveway now.
I hope you enjoy your April travels and come back with lots of pics, including some doors, and many interesting stories to tell.
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omg – so much snow!! This is one winter you will be happy to see in the rearview mirror!!
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I’m relieved the chance of snow is almost non-existent. I’d love if the temps would catch up! That horse is just the cutest thing! I think we have aerial yoga around here. I may have to look into it. I’ve had to substantially cut back on my Pilates because certain moves are exacerbating my sciatic nerve pain. To top it off my shoulder is back being mad that it has rotator cuff issues. lol. I’m looking forward to some hiking once the days become a little warmer (so close I can taste it!) Have fun in Northern France!!
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Ugh – trying to deal with injuries is so frustrating!! Hopefully you can find something that’s gentler on your body.
I’m really starting to get excited for our trip, but there is still a lot to do before we leave!
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There’s always so much to do before a trip! But how exciting!!
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Well you do seem to have made the most of March – busy, busy, busy! Nice to have another look at Pippin. Now that’s the size of horse I like. I see you are travelling in April, I hope somewhere nice. 🙂
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Yes, we are travelling! We are leaving next week for northern France. We haven’t planned a road trip like this since our first trip to Europe together over 20 years ago. We’ll be exploring the coast from Saint-Malo to Brugge. Now that it’s near, I’m finally starting to get excited about it!
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I hope the weather is fine for you, a bit like winter at the moment! I love road trips, but have never driven on the continent.
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I haven’t been following the weather so I just went to take a peak. The temperature is about the same as here – perhaps a touch warmer – so I’m going to consider that a win! 🙂
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Yay for busy, fun months!!! So glad you are able to get out adventuring again. I love those little horses, being a bit nervous around the full-size versions.
I really enjoy your photos of snow and ice, but am kind of glad I don’t have to live with it.
Wishing you a great adventuring month ahead.
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Something else we have in common! A fear of horses!
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I’m rather uncomfortable around horses too. I can admire them from afar, but their size up close is rather intimidating.
From now until September, my calendar is filling up very quickly with trips and outings. It already looks like this year will be busier than last year! Bring it on! 🙂
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Have fun!!!
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[…] Joanne at My Life Lived Full […]
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That closeup of the rocks on the shore looks like a polar icecap! – Marty
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It’s quite the work of art, isn’t it! Nature is amazing!
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I can feel your joy at being outside again! Pippin is adorable, and the landscapes are lovely. I like the one at Bowmanville creek a lot. That curve up yonder is inviting!
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… and just beyond that little bend in the creek is a small bridge. I’m attracted to bridges like a moth to flame 🙂 I can see a return to this creek later in the spring when all the mud is gone!
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I hope so! I wanna see beyond the bend too, and that bridge!
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We had a bit of nice weather and now are back to sogginess! Hope things continue to thaw out for you guys!
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I think most people hate how brown everything looks at this time of year. I’m just relieved that virtually all the white is gone …. and mornings are noisy with the sound of birds again 🙂
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You really gave March a run for its money, as they say. Those horses are cute and your photos of snow almost make me want to see more of it. What’s up for April? I don’t know how you’re going to beat March.
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April is going to be a wild ride. We leave next week for France and aren’t back until the end of the month.
Just to make things more interesting, we will have house guests leading up to our departure. My 2 brothers arrive 4 days before we leave and will be staying here for a few days after we leave. They are attending a week long tournament “Grand Slam of Curling” here in Toronto.
I know nothing about curling, but I’m guessing I’ll be hearing about it 😉
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Good gravy, you do have it going on there. Enjoy your trip and make sure to take all the pics so we can relive it with you in May, I’m guessing.
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There will be photos!! … unless of course something goes horribly wrong, but we won’t go there, will we? 😉
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Those icicles are amazing! Cute little horse too.
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Thanks 🙂
I’m not a horse person, but I do love this little mini!
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I love the returning warmth and sunshine! I’m glad to see you getting outside again, Joanne, and I hope that lingering ice is gone now. Love the photos of Pippen. Adorable little pony. 🙂
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I know everyone tends to complain about how brown the landscape looks at this time of year, but I’m just relieved it’s no longer white 🙂
It’s a promise that colour is coming!
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I’m glad for your March madness. What next? I know, April appreciation! I’ve got one more year to be able to join your group… Will practice.
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What did I miss? One more year before you join our group? … you’re coming to Canada?!!
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Hhahhah! I wish! I’m coming into the group 50+. 😉
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Ahhh!
You’re still a young one! 🙂
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Keep nudging her Joanne, we’ll get her here…eventually 😀
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That’s the plan 😉
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We didn’t have nearly as much snow as you guys, this year, but it was god to see it go. Even being replaced by brown is a step in the right direction. I do like the look and sound of rushing water in the spring. I love your photo of the ice and the ponies/ Keep up the activity, Joanne (and keep sharing pictures with us) – Happy April!
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Happy April, Dan! It’s going to be a particularly busy one for us since we’ll be travelling for most of the month. Staying connected with the blogging world is a bit of a challenge when I’m out a lot! This month end wrap-up helps get me back into it.
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I hope the travel is for fun. I look forward to reading about it. Good luck and travel safe.
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It is for fun! We are going to France next week for what I’ve dubbed the History Tour 🙂
We will be on a self-guided road trip of the northern coast visiting the famous battle sites from WW1 and WWII – Normandy, Dunkirk, Dieppe, Vimy Ridge. I figure that by the time we get back home, I’ll be warred-out 😏
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That sounds wonderful!
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Impressive. You certainly know how to handle March with a smile. I have a soft spot for horses especially minis, so I smiled at your visit.
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I’m always happy to make people smile 🙂
The big horses kind of scare me. Their size is rather intimidating, but this little mini has really captured my heart – maybe because I saw her shortly after she was born 💕
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Gorgeous shots, Joanne. The rock photo is incredible!
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Thanks Jill. I too really liked the icicles that formed on the rocks. To me, they looked like teeth.
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mmmm Spring, cute little ponies, aerial yoga.. sounds like a wonderful month of March after all… This definitely brought back memories of when we lived in Chicago and how long February and March ALWAYS seemed. No erase, that always WERE.
Looking forward to experiencing some Spring blossoms when we arrive in Chicago in May to visit our family. Hope we get there in time for the magnolias.
Peta
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Spring is such a time for rejoicing as the world comes alive again. May can be a fickle month. I hope for you that this year May is beautiful!
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Beautiful photos — and aerial yoga does sound interesting!
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I’ve tried aerial yoga twice now and it’s not as hard as I thought it would be. As with any yoga/stretching, you work at your own ability.
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Aerial yoga?! You are an adventurer! I love it:). And Pippen. You inspire me, J, to keep moving and trying!
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Hi, Joanne – I love Spring for all of the reasons that you mention.
Great smiles from you and Deb. I wonder if that had anything to do with the Margaritas?! (A little birdie told me that yours are the BEST)! 🙂
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hehehe – I’m not a Margarita girl … those were martinis 🙂🍸🍸🍸 … and yes, I make the best!
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Signs of Spring ~> aah . . . that’s better!
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It’s always slow in coming, but greatly appreciated.
In my backyard I have both snow and tulip shoots poking out of the ground 🙂
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I like those icy rocks. Icicles are one of the great beauties of winter that I miss from my years in snow country. Although we got a few here, this winter. It’s been harsh this year, even for us. It’s nice the weather is finally warming up.
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I agree with you about icicles. There is something fascinating about them.
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Sounds like a good March, Joanne. It’s amazing how fast snow can come and go, isn’t it? I love it, but I’m ready for spring and green and wildflowers/flowers and some warmth. 🙂
janet
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I’m not a fan of the summer heat we get, so the moderate temperatures of spring and fall are greatly appreciated. After the winter we had, seeing temperatures consistently above freezing is enough to make me happy 🙂
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Love your pictures, Joanne! That blue-eyed mini horse!!!
Hope you have recovered from all our fun. I was so tired last night AND I couldn’t even eat supper. Finally I ate a banana before bed, just to have something in my stomach. Tonight is going to be an early night too. Obviously, I need to build up some stamina in this fun department before June…hehehe!
Deb
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Poor you – you were up so much earlier than I was! … and I slept in this morning 🙃
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